So frustrated and depressed

Nurses General Nursing

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Words can't describe how I feel currently. I can't sleep, I find no pleasure in my activities, nothing.

It all began last Thursday, I took the NCLEX for the first time here in Michigan. I studied for a good while, didn't feel prepared, but went anyways because really - who does?

I was pleasantly surprised come test day - I didn't feel it was really impossibly hard, and finished at 75 questions in 45 minutes. I waited patiently for two days for my quick results, and they never came.

I found out my test results are on hold for some reason - so I came here and searched around for others who experienced this, those who had all had one thing in common: we took the test quickly. Upon calling the NCSBN, I was told it was for 'random Q/A' checks and that I couldnt be given any information but that it should take NLT 3 business days. I later received an email in the day essentially saying, "there is no time limit to 'investigations'"

Business day 4, and here I am, exhausted. My entire life is on hold right now while my exam is scoured over. I'm a new grad with an RN position full time on DAYS on a unit I LOVE and interned on over the summer - but I may lose that position if I don't get results soon, my package for military commission in the Navy in stopped dead in its tracks until I get those results and sadly, for that I have a deadline. Lastly, the RN to BSN program I wanted to attend fills up rather quick and I may not be able to attend at all this Fall.

I just don't want to deal with this anymore. I can't believe I came all this way just to be stopped here - I didn't do anything wrong, so why am I being punished? Why won't they tell me anything?? Every night I wake up at least 10 times, and all day I just can't enjoy any book I read or movie I watch. I really need some advice of any kind at all, i'm starting to lose it.

Specializes in CTICU.

I don't mean to be insensitive, but you sound extraordinarily melodramatic, considering this was only a few days ago, if I'm reading that correctly..?

In the old days, you had to wait 6 weeks for paper NCLEX results..!

Try to relax, although it's easier said than done. There is nothing you can do to change the outcome of the exam. If you felt ok, and finished quickly, it's highly likely that you passed very well. Stressing now isn't going to change that.

Of course there is pressure with the expectations of others, and deadlines looming, but do try and put it into perspective. Noone died, it's inconvenient but most likely to come out fine, you may just have to wait a little while. It's frustrating that they cannot give you any answers though.

Please try and do some things that calm you down or relax you in the meantime, and good luck with your results.

if this helps, people who ended up with 75 questions, 85% of those people DO pass. I know the NCLEX was like a big bad mind game for me too. the days felt forever... but just know that you have a very good chance of passing. i know you have a lot on the line, but hopefully the delay won't take too long and you will get good results very soon. The key after nclex is try to be very productive and fill your days with fun events. try that. no use to sitting around feeling sad about it. The more occupied you are, the faster time will come by. *hugs*

I don't mean to be insensitive, but you sound extraordinarily melodramatic, considering this was only a few days ago, if I'm reading that correctly..?

In the old days, you had to wait 6 weeks for paper NCLEX results..!

Try to relax, although it's easier said than done. There is nothing you can do to change the outcome of the exam. If you felt ok, and finished quickly, it's highly likely that you passed very well. Stressing now isn't going to change that.

Of course there is pressure with the expectations of others, and deadlines looming, but do try and put it into perspective. Noone died, it's inconvenient but most likely to come out fine, you may just have to wait a little while. It's frustrating that they cannot give you any answers though.

Please try and do some things that calm you down or relax you in the meantime, and good luck with your results.

In my life, I keep it about as drama free as it can get. My concern is over the things I may lose related to their time table of 'someday'.

Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

Over the years, I have tried to develop an attitude that keeps me from worrying too much, because worrying only causes stress and depression. There is nothing more you can do at this stage - you took the test, and now you have to wait.

I know this is a difficult time, and I am empathetic. But you need to try to 'box' it off - keep moving, keep your head up.

Best wishes, I hope all your dreams come true.

Specializes in ED Nursing, Critical Care Nursing.

Hello,

I can so relate to where you are right now. The same thing happened to me, and it drove me batty. I took the test on July 31, 2009 and had the whole "results on hold" thing happen, and got the same explanation from NCSBN. I got my results one week later to the day on Aug 7th. So, don't sweat it. You will get your results in another couple of days, and the odds are far more in your favor that you passed it. I doubt the fate of your future will be decided in the next 2-3 days, so try not to sweat it. If you took it last Thursday, don't be surprised if the results are available on PearsonVue either tomorrow or Friday.

John

There is not much you can do at this point. Whats done is done. Either you passed it with flying colors or you bombed it with 75 questions. No amount of worrying or crying is going to change your results. Be honest with yourself. If you passed, celebrate and enjoy your accomplishments. If not, go back to the drawing board and prepare for round 2.

Have you tried the trick? Go to the NCLEX forums and learn how to do the trick, that will atleast take some anxiety off.

I also took the NCLEX and got 75 questions. But I took my time although I knew the answers right off for fear of this. I had heard they hold some test results if you took it too fast. I was done in an hour and a half.

Good luck to you!

Specializes in Med Surg, Specialty.

Someone posted here a week ago or so that their results were on hold because they finished in a very short amount of time, but things turned out fine in the end. Try to keep yourself occupied so the time goes by quicker.

Why are you depressed? Sounds like you did great! They would not be holding your test for Q and A if you failed- why bother? I hated all of the hype around the NCLEX- it was stupid. It is not a hard test, and if you made it through nursing school, there is no reason to fail. Do you know why people fail? Because they psych themselves out (and the instructors in nursing school don't help with this- so if you are reading this professors, consider this when you try to make the NCLEX sound like the threshold to HELL when you are discussing it with impressionable students. It does not help you or your school to terrify your students). I was a Masters Entry Student, so I took the NCLEX and the Family Nurse Practitioner Boards within a year of each other. The discussion of the Family Nurse Practitioner exam was so much more laid back, and as a result, I was much more relaxed for it- and did great. And I am not any genius or anything. Just relax. You did fine- don't let your retarded Professors in school freak you out. And you will not lose your job because your scores arent in yet. It is way too hard (and expensive) to have to go hire someone new. Hospitals are always going to take the easy (and cheap) way out. They might be acting frustrated, but they arent going to do anything about it. So chin up!!

Seriously, your life will not end over this...even if, by chance you didn't pass, you just re-take the exam and life goes on.

Okay, I'm just getting started in nursing school in August so break it down for me. Are you guys saying that if you finish too quickly they investigate you for cheating or something?

Thanks in advance...

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